GE has for a few years operated their own charging network. It wasn't widely recognized nor popular, but they were doing it. It makes sense that GE (a.k.a. General Electric) would get into such a business. The name of the company says it all, that GE's corporate purpose is anything to do with electricity. But, their charging station business and network was never very popular.

GE selling its charging network to ChargePoint is likely part of a larger transformation underway at GE. According to current news reports, GE sold off its appliance division, most of GE Capital, is thinking to sell its "lighting" business, amid a general sell-off of "side businesses" so that GE can return to its "industrial roots".

In other words, it would seem GE see's the charging network business as a "side business" it should jettison. If so, I'd suggest that to be short-sighted since electric vehicles are the future. Shouldn't GE be positioning itself to reap the rewards of the rise of electric vehicles?

Campbell, Calif. – June 27, 2017 – ChargePoint, Inc. the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) charging network, today announced that it has acquired GE’s EV charging network, adding more than 1,800 commercial and about 8,000 residential charging spots to its network. With drivers and customers in mind, ChargePoint will maintain GE’s existing software and commercial charging spots, helping to make the change to ChargePoint as easy and seamless as possible for existing clients and drivers.

With nearly a decade of experience in EV charging, ChargePoint will offer GE customers the opportunity to access one of the most comprehensive networks available. ChargePoint provides the tools that enable drivers to find stations and station owners to take advantage of smart features such as access control, pricing capabilities and software solutions like energy management and scheduled charging.

ChargePoint is the only EV charging company that designs, develops and manufactures its own EV charging hardware and software solutions. In addition, ChargePoint’s OnRamp program was designed specifically to bring other manufacturers to connect their charging stations to ChargePoint’s industry-leading network. GE stations will be supported by the ChargePoint support team. Drivers who are currently on the GE network will also be invited to start using the ChargePoint mobile app to locate available stations, track usage and more.

“A reliable and consistent charging experience is crucial for fostering EV adoption and these are the key elements that ChargePoint has integrated into our business model for more than a decade,” said Pasquale Romano, CEO and President, ChargePoint, Inc. “We are excited to expand our network with the acquisition of GE’s network and have worked closely with the GE team to ensure a seamless transition for customers and drivers. We are growing globally and are the best equipped to bring former GE customers and drivers into the ChargePoint family.”

“Given its decade of experience, comprehensive portfolio and track record in the industry, we are confident ChargePoint is the best fit for our EV customers,” said Bryan Groulx, General Manager of GE’s EV operations. “We are committed to working together to ensure a smooth transition.”

The agreement includes support for both residential and commercial DuraStations and WattStations. ChargePoint will maintain a network for GE commercial stations, and GE will continue to fulfill all of its warranty obligations.

ChargePoint is the only charging company that offers a complete suite of EV charging products designed to serve EV drivers everywhere they go: at home, at work, around town and on a trip. A combination of residential chargers and commercial charging solutions designed for all verticals are laying the foundation for a future where electric mobility is convenient for anyone, everywhere they go.

About ChargePoint

ChargePoint is the largest electric vehicle (EV) charging network in the world, with charging solutions in every category EV drivers charge, at home, work, around town and on the road. With more than 35,900 independently-owned charging spots and more than 7,000 customers (businesses, cities, agencies, and service providers), ChargePoint is the only charging technology company on the market that designs, develops, and manufactures hardware and software solutions across every use case. Leading EV hardware makers and other partners rely on the ChargePoint network to make charging station details available in mobile apps, online and in navigation systems for popular EVs. ChargePoint drivers have completed more than 25 million charging sessions, saving upwards of 24 million gallons of gasoline and driving more than 603 million gas-free miles. For more information, visit
www.chargepoint.com or contact the Media Relations team at media@chargepoint.com.